The self and things of the world are just as they are. The gate of emancipation is open ~ Dogen Zenji

The precepts are an expression of our very wholeness. As such, they serve as guidelines for living a joyous life. For ten months we will study them as tools to turn our light inwards, develop compassion for ourselves and deepen our harmony with others. With a practice grounded in zazen, we will use the precepts to observe ourselves in action, inquire into our reactive patterns, and uncover our conditioned beliefs about ourselves, in contrast to what the precepts show to be true. Classes will be interactive and experiential in nature, structured around readings, writing, discussion, dyadic and group work.

Classes, led by Roshi Enkyo and Joshin Sensei, will be held at the Zendo on the following Sunday afternoons, from 1:30 to 4:30.

Tuition: $600, Class size is limited. Payment is due at time of registration, Contact signup@villagezendo.org.

For those new to Zen meditation or who have not practiced meditation in a zendo before.

Formal instruction begins promptly at 6:30pm (arrive at least a few minutes early) and lasts until 7:05. Recommendations for a comfortable, stable sitting posture are given, as well as guidance on how to begin a meditation practice and do walking meditation. The two sitting periods that follow are an opportunity to deepen practice. The evening concludes with a chanting of the four vows and three bows. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the instructor and experienced students afterward.

Two periods of Zazen; Informal discussion of Atonement and The Precepts with Shinryu

Followed by Sangha Tea

Fusatsu is an ancient Buddhist chanting and bowing ceremony of atonement and purification that provides us with the opportunity to acknowledge our deep karmic entanglements.There will be a talk on one of the Bodhisattva precepts.

Dai Sesshin

at The Grail, Cornwall-on-Hudson JULY 25th to AUGUST 3rd

Summer Ango provides the opportunity to get off the fast track, slow down, and breathe. It’s a chance to do an intensive retreat, live in community and study closely with Roshi Enkyo O’Hara and the Village Zendo teachers, all in the green surroundings of the Hudson Valley.

During the ango retreat period in the city, the Village Zendo will hold council circles on the study text “The Bodhisattva’s Four Methods of Guidance” by Dogen. Instead of the usual dharma talk format, the leader will use the text as a point of departure and invite council participants to share whatever issues are coming up for them around the topic.

For those new to Zen meditation or who have not practiced meditation in a zendo before.

Formal instruction begins promptly at 6:30pm (arrive at least a few minutes early) and lasts until 7:05. Recommendations for a comfortable, stable sitting posture are given, as well as guidance on how to begin a meditation practice and do walking meditation. The two sitting periods that follow are an opportunity to deepen practice. The evening concludes with a chanting of the four vows and three bows. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the instructor and experienced students afterward.